HAHIRA — Hahira City Council members heard a presentation from the CAR 41 North Group about the widening of Old Highway 41 during its work session Monday evening.
Group member Barry Braun expressed the group’s opposition to the recent proposals presented by the Georgia Department of Transportation, which include two one-way pairs running through the city of Hahira or a western bypass connected to two lanes that run in each direction through the city.
“We do not want to be subjected to such a major reconstruction of the city,” Braun said. “We understand that Hahira requested widening of the highway in a reasonable manner back in ‘91 or ‘92. However, now it seems that it’s DOT’s way or no way.”
The need for an alternate emergency route was the focal point of the discussion. As it has been explained to the city, proposals have been put in place to satisfy a federal mandate that states when a major interstate exists, an alternate emergency route must be put in place.
Group members explained that they understood the reasoning behind the mandate, but argued why the DOT would suggest dead-ending at State Road 122 instead of extending the route on to Tifton. They also expressed their fear of losing several city establishments, which include a historical church property, if either plan is implemented.
Braun stated that a DOT representative is scheduled to show revised plans regarding the widening to the Lowndes County Board of Commissioners at an upcoming commission meeting. He encouraged the council and audience members to attend and mentioned the group’s intent to voice its concerns.
Also, Mayor Pro Tem Rose Adams informed the council of a public notice published in The Valdosta Daily Times and asked that it be placed on the regular session agenda for discussion. The notice, addressed to the residents of Lowndes County, reads: “As per funding provisions set forth by the settlement of House Bill 489, Lowndes County Recycling centers will accept solid waste from unincorporated residents only beginning July 1, 2008. Please be prepared to furnish proof of residency upon entrance to the site.”
Adams stated that several citizens have complained about the new provisions, which limit their use of the county recycling center on Union Road. Because the center is on Hahira property, Adams questioned whether the county pays any rent on the land, as agreed upon between Hahira and the county.
“Why is it that the City of Hahira furnishes the land and water to the county and now we can no longer dispose of our solid waste at the facility, especially if the county is not paying to use the property?” Adams asked.
As a result of the new guidelines, citizens will have to pay the Hahira public works department $35 to dump all non-recyclable items, a fee Adams argued would be a strain for some Hahira residents.
Adams mentioned plans to join Hahira citizens at the next county commission meeting to speak about the agreement.
Other items discussed were:
• Request for services during the Honeybee Festival;
• Curtain donation to the community center (possibly in memory of the late City Clerk Diane Bellflower);
• Consideration of infrastructure recommendation for water’s edge.
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Hahira council hears road widening project concerns
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